More on the W.Va. Budget

With West Virginia's general revenue budget already showing signs that that several years of tough sledding lie ahead, the Charleston Daily Mail focuses on another key but faltering source for state spending.

"West Virginia lottery revenue has peaked, which means the governor and legislators may have to make some difficult spending choices in coming years," the newspaper reported. "At the 2007 peak, the lottery transferred $639.2 million to the state's coffers. That decreased to $631.2 million in 2008 and $616.6 million in 2009."

House Speaker Rick Thompson weighed in on the state budget picture on MetroNews.

"We're still in pretty good shape considering the state of our neighbors and we'll continue to be responsible, I'm sure," the Wayne County Democrat told Talkline. "But we're looking for a very lean next two or three years."

Audio here. In related news, the Daily Mail reports separately that "the outlook for West Virginia public employees, including teachers, to get any new pay raises this year is gloomier than ever, considering the deterioration of the state's economy and a projected revenue shortfall."